My dear ones, get ready! The post will be long and updated throughout the day. The King and Queen of the Netherlands are in my country and I could not be prouder of that. The sun shines, my country is beautiful and if there are occasions to pull the gallons and to show you a little more of this little sea-washed paradise, a State Visit is definitely one of those occasions.

Willem-Alexander and Máxima arrived in Lisbon last night. The royal couple is in Portugal for a three-day state visit, at the invitation of the President of the Portuguese Republic, Prof. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with the aim of celebrating the good political, economic and cultural cooperation, as well as shared values ​​in the global scenario between both countries. Portugal and the Netherlands share an important maritime past and are now partners for peace, security and prosperity in the United Nations, OTAN and the European Union. This visit intends to promote the economic relationship between the two countries which is good but has room for growth.

Upon arrival, the royal couple was greeted by a small Portuguese official delegation. Several members of the Dutch press were already in Portugal a few days ago and some royal photographers took the opportunity to enjoy the summer that still reigns in our country, and to share beautiful photographs of some of our most beautiful monuments in Lisbon and Sintra (see here and here).

Maxima arrived and brought the colors and their bugs with her !! The dutch Queen arrived ready to be herself and I, while Portuguese and royal watcher, although not a fan of her bug jewelery, could not be more happy for this.

O local escolhido não poderia ser melhor. Portugal é um país com muita História e com uma imensa riqueza cultural. O Mosteiro dos Jerónimos é um dos nossos monumentos nacionais mais importantes. A sua construção começou em 1501 e aproximadamente cem anos depois, as obras ficaram concluídas. O seu estilo arquitectónico é inconfundível e uma grande alusão à expansão marítima do Império Português. Foi acolhimento e sepultura de Reis, mais tarde de poetas. É parte da nossa cultura e identidade. É desde 1983 considerado Património Cultural de toda a Humanidade.The location chosen could not be better. Portugal is a country with a lot of History and an immense cultural wealth. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of our most important national monuments. Its construction began in 1501 and about a hundred years later, the works were completed. Its architectural style is unmistakable and a great allusion to the maritime expansion of the Portuguese Empire. It was a burial place for Kings, and later for poets. It is part of our culture and identity. Since 1983 it is considered Cultural Heritage of all Humanity.

Como prometi, estive lá! Foi a minha primeira Visita de Estado (sim, sou relativamente novata nestas coisas...) e estava contente. Adorei ver WA e Máxima, mas também adorei ver a parada militar das nossas forças armadas. Foi tão bonito de ver que desisti de tirar fotografias. Deixei-me levar pelo momento que certamente seria mais importante do que qualquer fotografia de qualidade duvidosa que pudesse ter tirado.As promised, I was there! It was my first State Visit (yes, I'm relatively new to these things ...) and I was happy. I loved seeing WA and Maxima, but I also enjoyed seeing our military parade. It was so beautiful to see that I gave up taking pictures. I let myself be carried away by the moment that would surely be more important than any photograph of dubious quality I could have taken.

Máxima showed up with a classic elegance. She opted for a monochrome look for the first day of visit. Let me tell you something: live diamonds shine like a real sun. And Máxima brought us not one, but three suns. The giant brooch and pair of earrings shone brilliantly in Lisbon.

Após o entoar dos hinos dos dois países e a inspecção às Guarda de Honra, o casal real entrou no Mosteiro dos Jerónimos para depositar uma coroa de flores no túmulo do poeta Luís Vaz de Camões. Luís Vaz de Camões é autor da mais fantástica obra literária portuguesa: Os Lusíadas. Uma epopeia sobre o povo português. Camões viveu no século XV. Combateu pela Coroa Portuguesa em África, onde cegou um olho. Após uma vida de fora da lei, parte para a Índia em 1553 onde tomou parte em várias expedições militares. Terá sido nesta altura que começou a escrever os Lusíadas. Segundo reza uma lenda, de volta a Lisboa em 1569, o navio onde viajava sofre um naufrágio e conta-se que Camões terá salvo a nado o manuscrito d'Os Lusíadas. A sua obra é publicada três anos depois.After both athems were heard and the inspection of the Guard of Honorwas made, the royal couple entered the Jerónimos Monastery to deposit a wreath at the tomb of the poet Luís Vaz de Camões. Luís Vaz de Camões is the author of the most fantastic Portuguese literary work: The Lusíadas. An epic about the Portuguese people. Camões lived in the fifteenth century. He fought for the Portuguese Crown in Africa, where he blinded one eye. After some troubles with the law during his life, he left for India in 1553 where it took part in several military expeditions. It will be at this point that he began to write the Lusíadas. According to a legend, back in Lisbon in 1569, the ship where he traveled suffers a shipwreck and it is said that Camões will have saved the manuscript of Os Lusíadas by swimming. His work is published three years later.

Despite the success of his work, and, similarly to what happened to other great names in world culture, Camões died in misery and sick in 1580 (the year Portugal loses its independence for Spain). June 10th, anniversary of the death of the poet, is Portugal National Day.

Após a homenagem, o casal teve a oportunidade de passear pelos claustros do Mosteiro e assinar o livro de visitas.After paying their respects the couple had the opportunity to walk through the cloisters of the Monastery and sign the guest book.

Depois o casal real abandonou o Mosteiro dos Jerónimos escoltados pela Guarda de Honra a Cavalo, rumo ao Palácio de Belém, residência oficial do Presidente da República. Aqui Willem Alexander e Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa falaram à imprensa. Foram tiradas fotografias oficiais e o casal real assinou o livro de visitantes do Palácio de Belém.Then the royal couple left the Monastery of the Jeronimos escorted by the Guard of Honor on Horse, towards the Palace of Belém, official residence of the President of the Republic. Here Willem Alexander and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa spoke to the press. Official photographs were taken and the royal couple signed the visitors' book of the Palace of Belém.

Durante este encontro o Presidente português ofereceu ao casal as insígnias do Grande Colar da Ordem Nacional do Infante D. Henrique. O Presidente Português recebeu, na qualidade de Chefe de Estado, as insígnias da Ordem Holandesa do Leão da Holanda. Máxima foi ainda presenteada com uns brincos em filigrana portuguesa dos prestigiados joalheiros Leitão e Irmão.During this meeting the Portuguese President offered the couple the insignia of the Great Necklace of the National Order of Infante D. Henrique. The Portuguese President received, as Head of State, the insignia of the Dutch Order of the Netherlands Lion. Máxima was still presented with earrings in Portuguese filigree by the prestigious jewelers Leitão and Irmão.

Como é costume em cada Visita de Estado, o Chefe de Estado é sempre recebido no Palácio de S. Bento, sede do Parlamento Português. Willem-Alexander e Máxima foram recebidos pelo Presidente do Parlamento português, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues.As usual in each State Visit, the Head of State is always received in the Palace of S. Bento, seat of the Portuguese Parliament. Willem-Alexander and Máxima were received by the President of the Portuguese Parliament, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues.

O casal real teve a oportunidade de passear pelo edifício de estilo neoclássico datado de finais do Século XVI.The royal couple had the opportunity to tour through the neoclassical building dating from the late 16th century.

Continuing with the planned schedule, the King and Queen of the Netherlands went to Lisbon City Hall, where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina. Here the Dutch head of state received the keys of the city of Lisbon. In his speech, Willem-Alexander, spared no compliments to the Portuguese capital:

"Thanks to the key I received. Lisbon is known as the pearl of European capitals, which makes my wife and I very proud in seeing what this ancient pearl still has to offer. Last years were very hard for this city citizens. Many were harmed by the economic crisis. We admire the measures taken so that people could find different ways of overcoming in their own neighborhoods. We look forward to meeting some of them and talking to people about their interests, their worries, their ideals and their hopes. Right next, in Mouraria, we will have a first opportunity.This city has a sophisticated atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world. These not only find here beautiful monuments of the past, but also icons of the future. I'm thinking about the Champalimaud Center, which we will visit tomorrow. (...) We are also looking forward to meeting students at the University of Lisbon. How do they look at their country and Europe? What future do they see for themselves? For our part, we wish to express the importance of Portugal for European cooperation. And how many shared interests are there between our two countries? We can see what we are doing well and find out what we can do better.Mr. Mayor, over the years, your city will continue to fascinate the world. Thank you for your hospitality. Thank you very much!"

The King and Queen followed on a tram ride (a very typical transport in the oldest and most traditional part of Lisbon) to the Lisbon neighborhoods of Mouraria and Intendente. These neighborhoods are among Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods.

During the economic crisis several initiatives were launched to improve the entrepreneurial local potential of several cities. Willem-Alexander and Máxima met and talked with several project initiators connected to the New Europe-Cities in Transition Network. Then they strolled around the city where they watched various street animations.

At night the President of the Portuguese Republic offered a state dinner in honor of the Dutch royal couple. The Banquet took place in Ajuda National Palace and was attended by members of the Portuguese government, civil society as well as personalities from the areas of culture and business. Ajuda National Palace was a royal residence but today it is not only a museum of decorative arts, it is also the seat of other Portuguese institutions linked to the culture and stage of protocol ceremonies. This Dinner took place in the Noble Floor of the Palace.

My friends, I know that for many of you, probably seeing photos like these and imagining them happening in your countries, will still be stranger, but there are no words to express my gratitude to our President for providing us with such moments.

And no, I'm not talking (just) of the splendor of the orders, the bling of the jewels, or the beauty of the dresses. It is about recognizing diplomacy, partnership and collaboration between two nations through their highest representatives. It is about celebrating friendship, individual identity but also joint work. And if we celebrate it will be at our best! Of course!!!

I am sincere, just yesterday at the end of the day, moments before dinner I thought about Maxima's possibilities regarding jewelry for this Dinner. I thought of a discreet tiara, perhaps one she had not worn for some time. I was right by half.

The Dutch Queen chose a very elaborate green dress that she combined with emeralds. On the head she wore the Dutch Emerald Tiara (which can also be used with pearls to replace the emeralds). Maxima completed the look with other pieces of the Dutch coffers where the words "Huge" and "Emeralds" are the slogans. The Grande Colar and the sashe of the Order of the Infante D. Henrique, perhaps too big, gave some problems to Máxima because they seemed to slip of her shoulder sometimes.

I confess I did not particularly like the color of this dress. I think Maxima has all the attitude to use this model and I think it would be perfect ... in another color. But Maxima wanted to pay tribute to our flag, and against this I do not have enough valid arguments.

In one of the few opportunities to see the jewels of the Portuguese royal house, D. Isabel, Duchess of Braganza did not disappoint. The wife of the Head of the House of Braganza wore the Queen D. Amélia diamond tiara, also known as the D. Luis diadem, and a choker also belonged to the last Queen of Portugal, D. Amelia. And it's a shame that you have to resort to a printscreen of a video of a Dutch channel to get a glimpse of D. Isabel, completely forgotten by the Portuguese Press. Thank you dear readers for drawing my attention to this detail.

The speech of the President of the Portuguese Republic can be seen here (in Portuguese with a touch of Dutch).

About Willem-Alexander's speech, well it touched me. I have literally tears running down my face right now. I do not know if it's a Portuguese feeling, but I think we all like to hear someone speaking well about our country. I think it is necessary that the Portuguese poeple speak well of Portugal. Speak more and speak better. Now read this:

"Mr. PresidentMy wife and I greatly appreciate the warm welcome we’ve received here in the Palácio da Ajuda. Thank you also for your kind words testifying to our friendship.Portugal is one of the world’s oldest nations, with a border that has hardly changed in the course of eight centuries. At the same time, your country is renowned for its capacity for transformation. Time and again it has re-invented itself in response to a changing world.Anyone who knows the first thing about history knows the Dutch have much to thank the Portuguese for. It was your ancestors who opened up the world for their fellow Europeans – including us. It was your bold compatriots who discovered new shipping routes and sailed off to distant shores. You led the way. It took a while before we followed in your wake.The fact that our countries became rivals is one of the ironies of history. But one thing is certain: we owe part of our commercial success to your maritime expertise. Our Golden Age reflected the glow of your shining example.That impressive history makes Portugal a very special country. It has always been Europe’s bridgehead; an advance post watching out to sea. Portuguese is a world language, spoken on four continents. Your ties with many different peoples and cultures deserve to be cherished, now and in the future. Portugal understands the value of diversity, of tolerance, and of openness and exchange. Values that are under pressure in so many places in the world, but that we regard as the essence of our free society.The European Union is lucky to have such a member state. You, Mr President, know how hard the Portuguese have worked to make your nation what it is today. You grew up in a country that was not free, but which transformed into a democracy by its own efforts. You belonged to the first generation of freely elected representatives, and worked actively to craft a constitution that sets out the principles of democracy under the rule of law.Portugal allied itself with the European community of free nations. Together, the Portuguese have achieved far-reaching reforms. The country’s economic transformation has required sacrifices and placed heavy demands on the resilience of the Portuguese people. Recent years have taken their toll on your compatriots. Many young people still struggle to find jobs worthy of their skills.And yet there are grounds for optimism about the future!We see and admire the way Portugal is taking the lead in the transition to sustainable energy.We see how it is forging a new bond with the sea, by successfully focusing on the ‘blue economy’.We see how Lisbon, Europe’s ‘Grand Old Lady’, has found a new lease of life, enchanting visitors from all over the world, and thus creating new opportunities.We see Portugal winning Euro 2016 with unbeatable football, and the Eurovision Song Contest with intimate jazz.We see Portugal as a NATO ally making a valuable contribution to peace and security.And we see prominent Portuguese leaders being called to high office. Take UN Secretary-General António Guterres – for whom my wife, Queen Máxima, works as Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.On top of all this, we’re fascinated by the Portuguese way of life. It is said that the Portuguese have a thousand different recipes for bacalhau. That illustrates their eye for detail. The attention they pay to the little things that make life so special and worthwhile.Anyone who’s ever experienced the hospitality and warmth of this country always yearns to return. Portugal embraces you. In the words of the famous song by the queen of fado, Amália Rodrigues:Dois braços à minha espera É uma casa portuguesa, com certeza!May I ask you all now to raise your glasses.To your health, Mr President!To the warm friendship between the República Portuguesa and the Kingdom of the Netherlands!"

Because dear Portuguese who are reading this, we definitely have the best country in the world and we are a spectacular people !!!!! And the King of the Netherlands knows that too. Although for him, we are perhaps the second best country in the world!

[Time to wipe away my tears of pride. Thank you WA !!!]

Video courtesy of dear S.M. (T&T member and my hilarious company at royal events in Portugal)

During that couple of hours I was in front of the Jeronimos Monastery I could observe the Dutch press that went to Portugal for this visit. Some of them are "my acquaintances," because thanks to their work in covering several royal events, I have the opportunity to publish here several photographs. So I will always be grateful to these great professionals. But what surprised me was the way they were dressed. Suits for men (even if some completed the look with comfortable but stylish sneakers), dresses for the ladies, with hair and makeup done. All looking very elegant and professional. I do not know if it is always like this, or if it is like this with everyone, but compared to what I saw in the Portuguese press, the difference is huge. According to what I was told, and although there are exceptions, their work is reflected in their country, so the way you present yourself to do this work is important. And I applaud this way of thinking!